Following Jesus

Living Hope Presbyterian Church

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Matthew 8

18 Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. 19 And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 21 Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22 And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

ESV: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ©2011 Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Sermon Summary: The sermon delves into a passage from Matthew 8:18-22, where Jesus encounters individuals expressing their desire to follow him. The speaker emphasizes the radical nature of following Jesus, highlighting the need for total commitment, leaving behind worldly allegiances, and embracing the challenges that come with discipleship. Through analyzing the interactions between Jesus and a scribe and a disciple, the sermon underscores the call to prioritize Jesus above all else, even familial obligations, and to understand the sacrifices and joys that come with following the King.

Key Points:

• Jesus’ ministry transitions from teaching to healing, drawing crowds with his miraculous acts.
• The encounter with a scribe and a disciple showcases the radical commitment required to follow Jesus.
• Following Jesus involves leaving behind sin, embracing humility, and prioritizing Christ above all other allegiances.

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Matthew 8:18-22

Humor and Anecdotes:

• No specific humor or anecdotes were shared in the sermon.

Key Quotes:

• “Follow me and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”
• “Following Jesus is not a planet fitness following. It is a total commitment.”

Themes:

• Radical Commitment: The sermon emphasizes the radical nature of following Jesus, requiring believers to prioritize Him above all else and leave behind worldly attachments.
• Sacrifice and Joy: Discipleship involves sacrifices, challenges, and grief, but it also brings forgiveness, purpose, and eternal rest through resurrection.
• Total Allegiance: Jesus demands total allegiance, surpassing even familial obligations, and calls for unwavering obedience and faithfulness.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the concept of leaving behind sin and worldly allegiances resonate with your own journey of faith?
2. In what ways do you struggle with prioritizing Jesus above other aspects of your life? How can you work towards total commitment to Him?
3. Reflect on a time when following Jesus led you to face challenges or sacrifices. How did those experiences shape your faith and understanding of discipleship?

Metaphors and Stories:

• Jesus’ comparison of foxes having holes and birds having nests while the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head serves as a metaphor for the sacrifices and discomfort that come with following Him.
• The imagery of the dead burying their own dead symbolizes the choice between worldly obligations and wholehearted commitment to Jesus, highlighting the radical nature of discipleship.